Redeveloping a Golf Course with Deep Roots
For nearly a century, Hillcrest Golf Course was a well-known destination on Saint Paul’s East Side and held a unique place in local history.
Due to financial hardship, aging infrastructure, and changing recreational trends, Hillcrest permanently closed in 2017. Despite its prime location, the site faced serious barriers to reuse:
- Financial Losses: the golf course had been operating at a deficit for years, unable to maintain a strong membership base.
- Soil Contamination: Decades of pesticide and fungicide use left the soil polluted with mercury and petroleum residues, requiring environmental cleanup before redevelopment.
- Outdated Infrastructure: Aging utilities and buildings were not equipped for modern use and would require a complete overhaul.
- Shifting Community Needs: As interest in golf declined, the East Side was growing and in need of housing, jobs, green space and economic opportunity.
Hillcrest had reached the end of its era. But its closure opened the door to a bold new vision.
How we're making it happen:
Public-Private Partnerships
Saint Paul Port Authority (SPPA), in partnership with the City of Saint Paul and a broad coalition of public and private partners, is leading the transformation of this 112-acre site into The Heights — a first-of-its-kind, eco-urban, mixed-use community designed to serve current and future generations:
Prioritizing affordability, energy efficiency and design that supports all families.
Bringing high quality, good-paying jobs to Saint Paul’s Greater East Side.
Parks, wetlands, trails and public gathering areas throughout the neighborhood.
Powered by geothermal energy and rooftop solar on every home.
The Heights Mission
Equipping and investing in our diverse and thriving community to reach new heights through sustainable living and economic vitality.
RESPONSIBLE ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION
One of the first and most critical steps was addressing the contaminated soil left behind by golf course operations.
- 110,442 tons of contaminated material were removed and safely disposed of
- Remaining soils now meet strict residential safety standards
- Air and dust monitoring confirmed no hazardous exposure to workers or neighbors
This cleanup effort was carried out under the oversight of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, ensuring transparency and safety every step of the way.
LAYING THE GROUNDWORK
With remediation complete, infrastructure work is now underway to bring The Heights to life:
- Earthwork and Grading: Preparing the site for streets, utilities, homes and industry
- Upgraded Utilities: Water, power and communications systems designed for resiliency
- Green Infrastructure: Next-gen stormwater systems, wetlands and protected open space
- Clean Energy: Geothermal heating/cooling and solar-generated power
- Community Amenities: Trails, public art, bike lanes, parks and walkable spaces that foster connection
A PUBLIC-PRIVATE EFFORT
The transformation of Hillcrest into The Heights is fueled by collaboration. SPPA has brought together partners and funding from:
- City of Saint Paul
- Ramsey County
- Metropolitan Council
- State of Minnesota
- Federal resources
- Private and nonprofit investments
News & Updates
For the latest development news, construction updates and redevelopment documentation for The Heights.
Case Study: Xcel Energy at The Heights
Xcel Energy’s new Saint Paul Service Center at The Heights marks a major milestone in both clean energy progress and local job creation. Breaking ground in November 2024 on a 20-acre site, this state-of-the-art facility
The Heights Construction Update: June 23, 2025
Larpenteur Avenue Closure Will Begin The Week of July 7th Larpenteur Avenue E will be closed between Beebe Road and McKnight Road starting the week of July 7th and continuing through early August, weather dependent.
Xcel Energy’s upcoming St. Paul Service Center hits major construction milestone
MINNEAPOLIS (June 10, 2025) – Xcel Energy announced today a major milestone in the construction of a new service center that will position it to continue to provide safe and reliable energy service across St. Paul.